Document signed by Mark Twain's brother

Heading: (Nevada - Orion Clemens)
Author:
Title: Manuscript document signed by Orion Clemens, brother of the author Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens), as Secretary of Nevada Territory
Place Published: Carson City, Nevada Territory
Publisher:
Date Published: 17 October 1863
Description:

4 pp., on two conjugate sheets of lined legal paper, connected at the top. With embossed silver paper seal affixed. 32x20 cm (12½x8").

Manuscript copy of a real estate deed/quitclaim originally executed in 1860 when Nevada was still part of Utah Territory. This is a true copy, certified by Secretary of Nevada Territory, Orion Clemens, elder brother of the author now known as Mark Twain. Orion Clemens, a somewhat successful newspaperman, was a supporter of Abraham Lincoln in the election of 1860, and for his efforts was awarded with the appointment as Secretary of the new Territory of Nevada, just separated from Utah. Orion, who had hired his younger brother at times during his newspaper career, took Sam along with him on his journey west. Samuel Clemens' adventures and experiences in Nevada and California were to provide much in the way of literary fodder, and gave the world the book "Roughing It," and such tales as "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." The three pages that are a copy of the original document are apparently not in Orion's hand; the final page, certifying the copy, are by Orion, matching his signature.

The property in question, sold in 1860 by Geo. W. Stone to A. Marks, was the "Stone House situated in Six Mile Canyon and used as Toll House by the Virginia City & Six Mile Canyon Toll Road Company, all the the spring and ranch purchased by the said Geo. W. Stone of R.B. McDowell and which the said House is situated..."
Condition Report: Moderate wear, page in Orion's hand with even dust soiling; very good.